At it again: Leaked documents reveal Trump Administration prioritized ideology over expertise in attacks on Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2018

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
zeisenstein@siecus.org

• On March 20, 2018, NBC News released information highlighting that political appointees of the Trump Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services forced the decision to cut short Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grant periods for 81 grantees across the nation this summer—despite objections by career and senior staff at the Office of Adolescent Health, which administers the program.

In response to this news, Chitra Panjabi, SIECUS President & CEO, released the following statement:

“Today’s news demonstrates that this administration will stop at nothing to advance its unpopular, harmful beliefs about the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people. These notes and emails blatantly showcase that right-wing ideology is at helm of decision-making—with zero regard for evidence, career expertise, or the opinions of the very people meant to benefit from programs like TPPP.

While this administration has tried time and time again to attack the integrity of the program, these findings reveal the truth: this administration will stop at nothing to restrict sexual health and rights in this country.”

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SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.